AU2013101568A4

AU2013101568A4 - An electronic gaming machine and gaming method

Info

Publication number: AU2013101568A4
Application number: AU2013101568A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Scott Clarebrough; Jason Meyer
Original assignee: Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2013-01-09
Filing date: 2013-11-28
Publication date: 2014-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-28

Abstract

Abstract The present invention provides an electronic gaming machine (1) comprising a display (7) and an electronic game controller (4) for controlling the display of games on the display. One or more selection menus (9, 20, 25, 70) enable the player to select a game, a bet denomination and the maximum number of available pay lines. Figure 2 6------------------- Fig. 2 CHOOSE YOUR GAME lid 10b 10-------- 1212 11db __ 9 10a 1a 12d '0 Power Up 50 7 Multi r CREDIT $1 =2 RETURN CREDITS 16 13 14 15 Fig.3

Description

- 1 "An electronic gaming machine and gaming method" Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an electronic gaming machine and in a particular an electronic gaming machine using a base game and a feature game. The invention has been developed primarily for use as an electronic gaming machine and will be described hereinafter by reference to this application. Background of the Invention [0002] The following discussion of the prior art is intended to present the invention in an appropriate technical context and allow its advantages to be properly appreciated. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, however, reference to any prior art in this specification should not be construed as an express or implied admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0003] Conventional gaming machines typically involve awarding prizes to a player according to predetermined combinations of game symbols that appear on an array of game squares displayed on a screen, typically organised into three rows and five columns (a 5x3 array). Other arrays, such as a 3x3 or 4x3, may be used. Each gaming machine randomly selects the game symbols that appear on the array, each column of the array being a "reel". [0004] In an electronic gaming machine, the mechanical reels are replaced with video images of the reels, which are displayed on a video display screen. The electronic gaming machine has an internal electronic game controller, typically a computer, that controls the display of images on the video display screen so that the reels are visibly spun on the screen to simulate a physical reel of a traditional gaming machine. Electronic gaming machines are also more versatile in presenting game information, varying the probabilities for a player to win a prize and varying the type of game that is played. [0005] One aspect of this versatility is providing the ability to play different games on the one electronic gaming machine. The options to play different games on a -2 single machine is attractive to the player as there is no need to keep switching machines to play a different game. However, the presentation of these multiple games on a single electronic gaming machine is challenging to ensure that the player does not become confused when select a particular game to play, as then the player has to determine from each game's menu system the selection of the bet denomination. Also, the player may wish to change the bet denomination but keep playing the same game. If it is too difficult to select a game and its associated playing parameters, a player will lose interest and not continue playing the electronic gaming machine. [0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative. It is also an objection of the present invention in one preferred form to provide a electronic gaming machine and gaming method for multiple games offered on a single electronic gaming machine that permits players to navigate easily through menus to select a particular game and customise it to their desired playing parameters, such as bet denominations and combinations of pay lines. Summary of the Invention [0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic gaming machine comprising: a display for displaying a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of game symbols on the display, wherein said electronic game controller causes said electronic gaming machine to display two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games; said electronic game controller causes said electronic gaming machine to display two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said denomination images are selectable by a player for selecting the bet denomination in which said selected game is to be played, and -3 wherein one of said game images and said denomination images is initially displayed on said display for selection by said player and is replaced by the other of said game images and said denomination images on said display after said player makes a selection of said one of said game images and said denomination images. [0008] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". [0009] Preferably, said game images are initially displayed on said display. [0010] Preferably, said denomination images are initially displayed on said display. [0011] Preferably, one or more of said denomination images are the same for at least two of said selectable games. More preferably, wherein one or more of said denomination images are different for at least two of said selectable games. [0012] Preferably, said electronic game controller causes said electronic gaming machine to display two or more line images associated with said selected game, wherein said line images are selectable by a player for selecting the number of lines to play in said selected game. [0013] Preferably, one or more of said line images are the same for at least two of said selectable games. [0014] Preferably, in said selected game, said electronic game controller causes the display of said denomination images for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game. More preferably, said electronic game controller causes the display of said denomination images in response to a trigger event. In one preferred form, said trigger event is a player-actuated trigger event. In a particularly preferred form, said player-actuated trigger event comprises selection of a bet denomination image on said display. In a further preferred form, said bet denomination image comprises the denomination image associated with the bet denomination initially selected by said player.

-4 [0015] Preferably, a default denomination image is displayed prior to said player selecting one of said denomination images. More preferably, said default denomination image comprises the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine. [0016] Preferably, said game images comprise the names of said games associated with said game images. More preferably said game images comprise one or more pictorial images associated with said games. [0017] Preferably, said denomination images comprise numerical values corresponding to the monetary values of said bet denominations associated with said selected game. [0018] Preferably, said games share a jackpot prize and one or more of said games are able trigger said jackpot prize. More preferably, said jackpot prize comprises a mystery jackpot. [0019] Preferably, said game symbols in said feature game and said base game are arranged in arrays of the same shape or type. Alternatively, said game symbols in said feature game and said base game are arranged in differently shaped arrays. The shapes of said arrays are preferably rectangular, circular, triangular, oval, semi circular or other non-rectangular shape. [0020] Preferably, said electronic game controller causes the display of said feature game in response to said trigger event. Alternatively, said electronic game controller causes the display of said feature game and said base game during play of said base game, said feature game being inactive until triggered. In this preferred form, the change in said feature game from being inactive to active may be indicated on the display. [0021] Preferably, the electronic gaming machine comprises a mobile electronic gaming device. More preferably, said mobile electronic gaming device comprises a handheld electronic device. Alternatively, said electronic gaming machine comprises a computer. More preferably, said computer is connected to a communication network.

-5 [0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming method for an electronic gaming machine comprising a display and an electronic game controller, the method comprising the steps of: controllably displaying game symbols for playing a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player; causing the appearance of two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games; causing the appearance of two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said denomination images are selectable by a player for selecting the bet denomination in which said selected game is to be played; initially displaying one of said game images and said denomination images on said display for selection by said player, and in response to said player making a selection of said one of said game images and said denomination images, replacing said one of said game images and said denomination images by the other of said game images and said denomination images on said display. [0023] Preferably, said initially displaying step comprises initially displaying said game images on said display. [0024] Preferably, said initially displaying step comprises initially displaying said denomination images on said display. [0025] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of providing one or more of said denomination images to be the same for at least two of said selectable games. [0026] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of displaying two or more line images associated with said selected game, wherein said line images are selectable by a player for selecting the number of lines to be played in said selected game. More preferably, said line images each comprise a numerical value representing the number of lines to be played in said selected game. In one preferred -6 form, said step of displaying two or more line images comprises providing one or more of said line images to be the same for at least two of said selectable games. [0027] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of displaying said denomination images in said selected game for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game. More preferably, said denomination images displaying step comprises displaying said denomination images in response to a trigger event. In one preferred form, said trigger event is a player-actuated trigger event. In one particularly preferred form, said player-actuated trigger event comprises selection of a bet denomination image on said display. [0028] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of displaying a default denomination image prior to said player selecting one of said denomination images. More preferably, said default denomination image displaying step comprises displaying the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine. [0029] The method preferably has the preferred features of the first aspect of the invention where applicable. [0030] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic gaming machine comprising: a display for displaying a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of game symbols on said display, wherein said electronic game controller causes the appearance of a first selection screen on said display, said first selection screen comprising a plurality of game images and a plurality of denomination images, wherein said game images are respectively associated with said games and said denomination images are respectively associated with bet denominations, said denomination images being associated with at least some of said game images and selectable by a player for selecting one of said bet denominations for a game to be played; -7 wherein, in response to a selected denomination image being selected by said player, said electronic game controller causes said first selection screen to indicate the game images associated with said selected denomination image as being available for selection by said player and indicate the game images not associated with said selected denomination image as being unavailable for selection by said player, and wherein selection of one of said game images associated with said selected denomination image causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play. [0031] Preferably, said game images associated with said selected denomination image are visually indicated. In one preferred form, the game images are highlighted to the player. This may be achieved by having a bright border around each game image or being brightly lit compared to the game images not associated with said selected denomination image. Other preferred forms, include placing a translucent image over the available game images to indicate their availability, enlarging or expanding the size of the available game images and partly or fully animating the available game images (this would include causing the game image to blink or flash). [0032] Preferably, said game images not associated with said selected denomination image are visually indicated. More preferably, said game images not associated with said selected denomination image are partially obscured. In one preferred form, a translucent image is superimposed over each of said game images not associated with said selected denomination image. For example, the game images are "greyed out" by superimposing a grey image to visually indicate their unavailability. In another preferred form, the game images are darkened out" to visually indicate their unavailability. Another effect of these preferred forms is to further assist highlighting the game images associated with the selected denomination image as being available for selection by the player. In a further preferred form, the visual indication comprises using an image to create a border around unavailable game images to indicate their unavailability. [0033] Preferably, the indication of the game images that are available for selection and/or the game images comprises one or more aural indications or one of more of said aural indications in combination with a visual indication.

-8 [0034] Preferably, said first selection screen is selectively activated by said player. More preferably, said first selection screen is activated by a player-actuatable button. In one preferred form, said player-actuatable button comprises a button image on said display. In one particularly preferred form, said button image is on a touch screen display. In another preferred form, said player-actuatable button comprises a button on said electronic gaming machine. In a further preferred form, said first selection screen is voice-activated by said player. [0035] Preferably, one or more of said game images of the game images associated with said selected denomination image are the same for at least two of said denomination images. [0036] Preferably, one or more of said game images of the game images associated with said selected denomination image are different for at least two of said selectable denomination images. [0037] Preferably, said electronic game controller causes the appearance of a second selection screen on said display, said second selection screen comprising two or more line images associated with said selected game, wherein said line images are selectable by said player for selecting the number of lines to play in said selected game. More preferably, one or more of said line images are the same for at least two of said game images associated with said selected denomination image. [0038] Preferably, in said selected game, said electronic game controller causes the display of said denomination images for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game. More preferably, said electronic game controller causes the display of said denomination images in response to a trigger event. In one preferred form, said trigger event is a player-actuated trigger event. In a particularly preferred form, said player-actuated trigger event comprises selection of a bet denomination image on said display. In a further preferred form, said bet denomination image comprises the denomination image associated with the bet denomination initially selected by said player. [0039] Preferably, prior to the display of said first selection screen, said electronic game controller determines a default denomination image from said denomination -9 images and cause said first selection screen to indicate the game images associated with said default bet denomination image. More preferably, said default denomination image comprises the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine. [0040] Preferably, said game images comprise the names of said games associated with said game images. More preferably, said game images comprise one or more pictorial images associated with said games. [0041] Preferably, said denomination images comprise numerical values corresponding to the monetary values of said bet denominations. [0042] Preferably, at least two of said games share a jackpot prize and one or both of said at least two games is able trigger said jackpot prize. More preferably, said jackpot prize comprises a mystery jackpot. [0043] Preferably, said game symbols in said feature game and said base game are arranged in arrays of the same shape or type. Alternatively, said game symbols in said feature game and said base game are arranged in differently shaped arrays. The shapes of said arrays are preferably rectangular, circular, triangular, oval, semi circular or other non-rectangular shape. [0044] Preferably, said electronic game controller causes the display of said feature game in response to said trigger event. Alternatively, said electronic game controller causes the display of said feature game and said base game during play of said base game, said feature game being inactive until triggered. In this preferred form, the change in said feature game from being inactive to active may be indicated on the display. [0045] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming method for an electronic gaming machine comprising a display and an electronic game controller, the method comprising the steps of: controllably displaying game symbols for playing a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player; -10 determining the appearance of two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games; determining the appearance of two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said denomination images are selectable by a player for selecting the bet denomination in which said selected game is to be played; initially displaying a first selection screen comprising said game images and said denomination images on said display, wherein said denomination images are selectable by said player, and in response to said player making a selection of said one of said game images and said denomination images, replacing said one of said game images and said denomination images by the other of said game images and said denomination images on said display, wherein selecting one of said game images associated with said selected denomination image causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play. [0046] Preferably, said indicating step comprises visually indicating said game images associated with said selected denomination image. [0047] Preferably, said indicating step comprises visually indicating said game images not associated with said selected denomination image. More preferably, said indicating step further comprises at least partially obscuring said game images not associated with said selected denomination image. In one preferred form, said indicating step further comprises superimposing a translucent image over each of said game images not associated with said selected denomination image. [0048] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of activating said first selection screen. More preferably, said activating step comprises said player activating said first selection screen. In one preferred form, said activating step comprises said player touching a button image on said display. In another preferred form, said activating step comprises said player pressing a button on said electronic gaming machine.

- 11 [0049] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of providing one or more of said game images to be the same for at least two of said denomination images. [0050] Preferably, said method further comprises the steps of displaying two or more line images after selection of said selected game, said line images being associated with said selected game, and selecting one of said line images for selecting the number of lines to play in said selected game. More preferably, said line images each comprise a numerical value representing the number of lines to be played in said selected game. In one preferred form, said step of displaying two or more line images comprises providing one or more of said line images to be the same for at least two of said selectable games. [0051] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of displaying said denomination images in said selected game for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game. More preferably, said denomination images displaying step comprises displaying said denomination images in response to a trigger event. In one preferred form, said trigger event is a player-actuated trigger event. In one particularly preferred form, said player-actuated trigger event comprises selection of a bet denomination image on said display. In this particularly preferred form, said bet denomination image comprises the denomination image associated with the bet denomination initially selected by said player. [0052] Preferably, said method further comprises the steps of selecting one of said denomination images on said first selection screen as a default denomination image, indicating the game images associated with said default denomination image as being available for selection and indicating the game images not associated with said default denomination image as being unavailable for selection prior to said player selecting one of said denomination images. More preferably, said default denomination image displaying step comprises displaying the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine. [0053] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of sharing a jackpot prize between at least two of said games and one or both of said at least two games is able trigger said jackpot prize. More preferably, said jackpot prize comprises a mystery jackpot.

-12 [0054] The method also preferably has the preferred features of the third aspect of the invention where applicable. [0055] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic gaming machine comprising: a display for displaying a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of game symbols on said display, wherein said electronic game controller causes the appearance of a first selection screen on said display, said first selection screen comprising a plurality of game images and a plurality of denomination images, wherein said game images are respectively associated with said games and said denomination images are respectively associated with bet denominations, said denomination images being associated with at least some of said game images and said game images being selectable by a player for selecting a game to be played; wherein, in response to a selected game image being selected by said player, said electronic game controller causes said first selection screen to indicate the denomination images associated with said selected game image as being available for selection by said player and indicate the denomination images not associated with said selected game image as being unavailable for selection by said player, and wherein selection of one of said denomination images associated with said selected game image causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play. [0056] Preferably, said denomination images associated with said selected game image are visually indicated. In one preferred form, the denomination images are highlighted to the player. This may be achieved by having a bright border around each game image or being brightly lit compared to the denomination images not associated with said selected game image. [0057] Preferably, said denomination images not associated with said selected game image are visually indicated. More preferably, said denomination images not -13 associated with said selected game image are partially obscured. In one preferred form, a translucent image is superimposed over each of said denomination images not associated with said selected game image. For example, the game images are "greyed out" by superimposing a grey image to visually indicate their unavailability. In another preferred form, the denomination images are "darkened out" to visually indicate their unavailability. Another effect of these preferred forms is to further assist highlighting the denomination images associated with the selected game image as being available for selection by the player. [0058] Preferably, one or more of said denomination images of the denomination images associated with said selected game image are the same for at least two of said game images. [0059] Preferably, one or more of said denomination images of the denomination images associated with said selected game image are different for at least two of said selectable game images. [0060] Preferably, prior to the display of said first selection screen, said electronic game controller determines a default denomination image from said denomination images and cause said first selection screen to indicate the game images associated with said default denomination image. More preferably, said default denomination image comprises the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine. [0061] The electronic gaming machine also preferably has the preferred features of the first and third aspects of the invention, where applicable. Where the electronic gaming machine of the third aspect comprises said second selection screen, it is preferred that one or more of said line images are the same for at least two of said denomination images associated with said selected game image.

- 14 [0062] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming method for an electronic gaming machine comprising a display and an electronic game controller, the method comprising the steps of: controllably displaying game symbols for playing a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player; determining the appearance of two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games; determining the appearance of two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by said player, and in response to said player making a selection of said one of said game images, indicating on said display the denomination images associated with said selected game image as being available for selection by said player and indicating the denomination images not associated with said selected game image as being unavailable for selection by said player, wherein selecting one of said denomination images associated with said selected game causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play. [0063] Preferably, said indicating step comprises visually indicating said denomination images associated with said selected game image. [0064] Preferably, said indicating step comprises visually indicating said denomination images not associated with said selected game image. More preferably, said indicating step further comprises at least partially obscuring said denomination images not associated with said selected game image. In one preferred form, said indicating step further comprises superimposing a translucent image over each of said denomination images not associated with said selected game image. [0065] Preferably, said method further comprises the step of providing one or more of said denomination images to be the same for at least two of said game images.

-15 [0066] Preferably, said method further comprises the steps of selecting one of said denomination images on said first selection screen as a default denomination image, indicating the game images associated with said default denomination image as being available for selection and indicating the game images not associated with said default denomination image as being unavailable for selection prior to said player selecting one of said denomination images. More preferably, said default denomination image displaying step comprises displaying the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine. [0067] The method also preferably has the preferred features of the fifth aspect of the invention where applicable. [0068] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer system comprising a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, wherein said computer system is configured to perform the method of the second, fourth or sixth aspects of the invention. [0069] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer programme configured to perform the method of the second, fourth or sixth aspects of the invention. [0070] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a non transitory carrier medium carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, causes the central processing unit to perform the method of the second, fourth or sixth aspects of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings [0071] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0072] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention; -16 [0073] Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of an electronic game controller for the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0074] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a game selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0075] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating a top screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0076] Figure 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a bet denomination selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0077] Figure 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a line selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0078] Figure 7 is a schematic drawing illustrating another line selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0079] Figure 8 is a schematic drawing illustrating a selected game being played on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0080] Figure 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating the bet denomination images displayed during the selected game being played on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0081] Figure 10 is a schematic drawing illustrating a confirmation message displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1 after selecting a bet denomination image during the selected game of Figure 9; [0082] Figure 11 is a schematic drawing illustrating another bet denomination selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0083] Figure 12 is a schematic drawing illustrating another confirmation message displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1 after initially selecting a bet denomination image from the bet denomination menu of Figure 11; -17 [0084] Figure 13 is a schematic drawing illustrating a line selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1 after selecting a bet denomination image from the bet denomination menu of Figure 11; [0085] Figure 14 is a schematic drawing illustrating another line selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1 after selecting a bet denomination image from the bet denomination menu of Figure 11; [0086] Figure 15 is a schematic drawing illustrating a bet denomination selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0087] Figures 16 and 17 are schematic drawings illustrating line selection menu screens for different denominations displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0088] Figures 18 and 19 are schematic drawings illustrating the bet denomination images displayed for different denominations during the selected game being played on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0089] Figure 20 is a schematic drawing illustrating a further bet denomination selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0090] Figure 21 is a schematic drawing illustrating a further confirmation message displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1 after initially selecting a bet denomination image from the bet denomination menu of Figure 20; [0091] Figures 22 and 23 are schematic drawings illustrating line selection menu screens for different denominations displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0092] Figure 24 is a schematic drawing illustrating an alternative selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0093] Figure 25 is a schematic drawing illustrating a bet denomination selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; -18 [0094] Figure 26 is a schematic drawing illustrating a confirmation message displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1 after selecting a bet denomination image; [0095] Figure 26 is a schematic drawing illustrating a line selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0096] Figure 27 is a schematic drawing illustrating another line selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1; [0097] Figures 28 to 30 are schematic drawings illustrating the selection menu screens of Figure 24 for different denominations, and [0098] Figures 31 to 35 are schematic drawings illustrating a further selection menu screen displayed on the electronic gaming machine of Figure 1. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention [0099] Referring to Figure 1, an electronic gaming machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a cabinet 2, a console 3 and an internal electronic game controller 4. The console 3 has various input devices including vending slots 5 for receiving monetary bets and a plurality of buttons 6 for actuation by a player. The electronic game controller 4 is generally in the form of a central processing unit, such as a computer, and is in electronic communication with a display in the form of a video display screen 7, as well as various input devices on the console 3, as best shown in Figure 2. It is also appreciated that a person skilled in the art would readily understand the location and use of the electronic game controller 4 in the electronic gaming machine 1. [0100] The electronic game controller 4 is programmed to provide a plurality of games 8 on the electronic gaming machine 1 for selection by a player. Typically, the electronic gaming machine 1 will display a game selection menu 9 on the video display screen 7, as best shown in Figure 3. The games 8 are identified by a game image 10, comprising the name of the game 11 and an associated image 12. In this embodiment, four games are available for selection, being the "Eagle Bucks" game -19 8a, the "Mustang Money" game 8b, the "Wolf Chief" game 8c and the "Money Heat" game 8d, with their associate names 11 a to 11d and images 12a to 12d, respectively. Other general game information is also provided, such as the amount of credits 13 the player has on the electronic gaming machine 1, a "return to game" virtual button 14, a current bet denomination button 15 and a message area 16 for displaying in-game messages to the player like "power up". The current bet denomination button 15 displays by a default denomination image corresponding to the last denomination that was selected on the electronic gaming machine 1 before a player initiates play on the electronic gaming machine. In this case, the last selected denomination was 500. [0101] The "return to game" button 14 is provided for returning the player to the game at any stage. Where the player has initially selected a game 8, pressing the "return to game" button 14 would return the electronic gaming machine 1 to the selection menu 9. Where the player has been playing a selected game 8, the "return to game" button 14 would return the electronic gaming machine 1 to that selected game. [0102] As best shown in Figure 4, the video display screen 7 may also include a top screen 17, either as a separate display or integrated into the display screen 7, which provides jackpot information in the form of a major jackpot information box 18 and a minor jackpot information box 19. The top screen 17 ensures that the jackpot information is available to the player at all times during play of the electronic gaming machine 1. [0103] The player selects the game to be played by touching the button corresponding to the game 8. After the player makes a selection, the game selection menu 9 is then replaced on the screen 7 by a bet denomination selection menu 20, as best shown in Figure 5 where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the Eagle Bucks game 8a was selected by the player and the bet denomination selection menu 20 now displays the various denominations which are available to the player to set as the minimum bet for the Eagle Bucks game, which are 200, 500, $1 and $2 as identified by corresponding denomination images 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d, respectively. The Eagle Bucks game image 10a also appears above the denomination images to confirm the player's selection of the game to be played on the electronic gaming machine 1. Also, the - 20 other game information remains on the denomination selection menu, except for the current denomination button 15. [0104] After the player selects the bet denomination by touching one of the denomination images 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d, the denomination selection menu 20 is then replaced on the screen 7 by a line selection menu 25, as best shown in Figure 6. The line selection menu 25 displays the various line options available to the player based on the selected denomination for play in the game. These line options represent the maximum number of lines that can be selected for play during the selected game, which is again indicated by its game image 10a. In this example, the player has selected 500 as the bet denomination, and as a consequence, the available line options comprise 3 lines, 5 lines and 10 lines as identified by corresponding line images 26a, 26b and 26c, respectively. Also, the current denomination button 15 indicates the player-selected bet denomination of 500. [0105] If the player had selected a different denomination, such as 200, in the denomination selection menu 20, then as best shown in Figure 7, the line selection menu 25 would display available line options of 5 lines, 10 lines and 20 lines as identified by corresponding line images 26b, 26c and 27, respectively. In this alternative example, the player is not able to select 3 lines but now can select 20 lines with this different bet denomination. The selection of 5 and 10 lines remains available under both denominations. [0106] After selection of the maximum number of lines that can be played, the Eagle Bucks game 8a is then displayed on the screen 7, as best shown in Figure 8. The Eagles Bucks game 8 has game symbols 30 arranged into an array 31 in the form of five columns or "reels" 32. While the array 31 is arranged with five columns or "reels" 11 and an even number of rows, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other arrays could be used, such as the industry standard 5x3 or 3x3, 4x3, 5x5, 4x4, etc. Also, the array 31 can have an uneven number of rows and/or columns. [0107] The array 31 of the Eagle Bucks game 8a defines predetermined game positions in the form of "squares" or cells 33, in which the game symbols 30 appear. The array 31 is arranged so that a player can select one or more predetermined "pay lines" 34 defined around the array, which correspond to combinations of the game - 21 positions 33. The pay lines 34 correspond to the lines selected by the player in the line selection menu 25 and generally comprise at least one game position 33 from each reel 32. The number of pay lines 34 that can be selected by the player depends on the amount of the monetary bet for playing a game on the array 31, up to the previously selected maximum number of lines from the line selection menu 25. [0108] The video screen 7 also displays other standard game information, including the number of pay lines available 35, the number of player-selected pay lines 36, the amount of credits per line 37, the amount of player credits 13, the amount of the current bet wagered by the player 38, the amount of wins by the player 39, a general menu button 40 and the current denomination button 15 indicating the currently selected base bet denomination. [0109] The electronic game controller 4 controls the display of the array 31 so that during play of a base game 8a on the array and in response to a trigger event, the electronic game controller 4 causes a feature game (not shown) to be displayed on the array. [0110] The game symbols 30 include a mixture of picture symbols in the form of animal symbols 30a, playing card symbols 30b, scatter symbols 30c and wild card symbols (not shown) to trigger the feature game in this embodiment. [0111] The player initially makes a bet using vending slots 5 initiate play of the electronic gaming machine 1 to build up credit to play any of the selectable games on the electronic gaming machine. For example, the player can bet or wager monetary amounts equivalent to a particular amount of credits, depending on the bet denomination selected for the player-selected game. Also, the player can make any additional side bets or ante-bets during play of the player-selected game 8 once the player-selected game has commenced as shown in Figure 8 to access additional features in the base game, such as increasing the number of winning combinations in the base game. [0112] The electronic game controller 4 then causes the reels 32 to appear to visibly rotate or "spin", and randomly display the game symbols 30 in each cell 33. After the reels 32 stop spinning, the electronic game controller 4 determines whether - 22 there are any predetermined winning combinations of the game symbols 30 appearing in any player-selected pay lines 134, such as "three of a kind", "four of a kind" and "five of a kind" for the animal game symbols 30a and other combinations of a "full house", "straight" or "flush" for the playing card game symbols 30b. It will be appreciated that other winning combinations of game symbols 30 can also be provided. If so, the electronic game gaming machine 1 enters a winning game state and awards a prize according to the displayed predetermined winning combination(s). [0113] The electronic game controller 4 also determines the appearance of the scatter symbols in the base game, typically through a random determination. However, it will be appreciated that this determination need not be totally random as the electronic game controller 4 may switch to a reel strip having a greater probability of a scatter symbol appearing where the feature game has not be triggered for a predetermined number of plays of the base game. [0114] The feature game employs the same array 31 as the base game, as well as the same game symbols 30 that are used in the base game. However, it will be appreciated that the array for the feature game may vary from the base game. For example, the feature game could adopt a different format of cells and/or use an entirely different set of game symbols, or a mixture of game symbols from the base game and different game symbols. [0115] The feature game comprises a predetermined number of free plays or spins of the reels 32. That is, the reels 32 in the feature game are spun without requiring the player to make a bet, unlike the base game of the player-selected game 8. The number of free spins remaining in the feature game is typically indicated on the screen 7 by a suitable counter (not shown). In the feature game, predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols 30 result in the award of prizes to the player, usually of an enhanced value compared to the prizes awarded in the base game. [0116] The player may also change the base bet denomination during play of the base game of the player-selected game 8 by touching the current denomination button 15 before or after the reels 32 have spun. As best shown in Figure 9, where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals, this results in - 23 all the available bet denomination images 41a, 41b, 41c and 41d appearing on the screen for selection by the player. The player can then change the bet denomination by touching the desired denomination, in response to which a confirmation pop-up message 42 appears over the array 31, as best shown in Figure 10, requesting the player to confirm the change of the bet denomination using "yes" and "no" buttons 43 and 44, respectively. The confirmation pop-up message 42 may also appear after initial selection of the bet denomination in the denomination selection menu 20, as best shown in Figure 12 for the Mustang Money game 8b. [0117] Alternatively, the all the possible bet denomination images can be shown on the in-game screen during play of the selected game 8. In this alternative example, if the player selects a denomination that does not offer the currently selected game, then the player is returned to the selection menu 9 with the games available for selection in the selected denomination visually indicated so as to permit the player to select one of the available games 8. After selecting an available game, the confirmation pop-up message 42 appears and the player selection continues as above. [0118] Each of the other player-selectable games 8 operate in substantially the same way, subject to any particular game rules peculiar to the operation of the base game and feature game of each game 8. For example, selection of the Mustang Money game 8b in the game selection menu 9 in Figure 3 will be replaced with the denomination menu 20 showing the available bet denominations for the Mustang Money game, as best shown in Figure 11 where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. In the Mustang Money game 8b, the available bet denominations are the same as those available for the Eagles Bucks game 8a, being 200, 500, $1 and $2 as identified by corresponding denomination images 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d, respectively. Selection of a bet denomination of 200 causes a confirmation pop-up message 42 appearing as described above. After confirming the bet denomination, the line selection menu 25 appears on the screen 7, replacing the denomination menu 20 and showing the available maximum number of lines for the selected denomination, as best shown in Figure 13, where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. In this case the available line options for a bet denomination of 200 comprise 5 lines, 10 lines and 20 lines as identified by -24 corresponding line images 26b, 27 and 44, respectively. Also, the current denomination button 15 indicates the player-selected bet denomination of 200. [0119] Again, if the player had selected a different denomination, such as 500, in the denomination selection menu 20, then the line selection menu 25 would display available line options of 3 lines, 5 lines and 10 lines as identified by corresponding line images 26a, 26b and 26c, respectively, as best shown in Figure 14. In this alternative example, the player is not able to select 20 lines as a maximum number of lines that can be played, but now can select 3 lines with this different bet denomination. The selection of 5 and 10 lines remains available under both denominations. [0120] After selection of the number of lines to be played, the Mustang Money game 8b is then displayed on the screen 7 for play by the player in a similar fashion as described above in relation to the Eagle Bucks game 8a. [0121] The other games, being the Wolf Chief game 8c and the Money Heat game 8d, also work in the same way as described above and as illustrated in Figures 15 to 23, where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. Figure 15 shows the denomination selection menu 20 for the Wolf Chief game 8c, where denominations of 10, 20 and 50 are identified by corresponding denomination images 50, 51 and 52, respectively. Figure 16 shows the line selection menu 25 for a bet denomination of 10, where the available line options are 50 lines and 100 lines as identified by corresponding line images 55 and 56, respectively. Figure 17 shows the line selection menu 25 for a bet denomination of 20, where the available line options are 25 lines, 50 lines and 100 lines as identified by corresponding line images 57, 55 and 56, respectively. In both Figures 16 and 17, the current denomination button 15 indicates the player-selected bet denomination of 10 and 20, respectively. Figure 18 shows the Wolf Chief game 8c, where the current denomination button 15 has been touched to trigger the appearance of the available bet denomination images 57, 58 for selection by the player to change the bet denomination. The available bet denomination images 57 and 58 are limited to those bet denominations for the selected maximum number of playable lines. In this case, the player has been playing up to 50 lines, and on the basis of 50 lines only bet denominations of 10 and 20 are available. By way of contrast, Figure 19 shows the Wolf Chief game 8c where the bet denomination is 20, and up to 25 lines are being played. Again, the current - 25 denomination button 15 has been touched to trigger the appearance of the available bet denomination images 59, 60 for selection by the player to change the bet denomination, which is limited to 20 and 50 because it is not possible to play 25 lines for a bet denomination of 10. [0122] Figure 20 shows the denomination selection menu 20 for the Money Heat game 8d, where denominations of 10, 20 and 50 are identified by corresponding denomination images 50, 51 and 52, respectively. Like the Mustang Money game 8b, in the Money Heat game 8d, the confirmation pop-up message 42 appears asking the player to confirm the bet denomination selection using yes and not buttons 43 and 44, respectively, as best shown in Figure 21 Figure 22 shows the line selection menu 25 for a bet denomination of 10, where the available line options are 50 lines and 100 lines as identified by corresponding line images 55 and 56, respectively. Figure 23 shows the line selection menu 25 for a bet denomination of 20, where the available line options are 25 lines, 50 lines and 100 lines as identified by corresponding line images 57, 55 and 56, respectively. In both Figures 22 and 23, the current denomination button 15 indicates the player-selected bet denomination of 10 and 20, respectively. [0123] In other preferred forms, the order of appearance of the game selection menu 9 and the denomination selection menu 20 can be reversed in that the electronic gaming machine 1 displays the denomination selection menu 20 on the screen 7 to the player for selection. After selection of the bet denomination, then the game selection menu 9 is displayed on the screen 7. In this case, the game selection menu 9 would only display the games 8 that use the selected bet denomination. This may also be done with the line selection menu 25. [0124] An embodiment of a further aspect of the invention is illustrated in Figure 24, where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, there is a selection menu 70 that displays both the games 8 and bet denominations available on the electronic gaming machine 1. The games 8 are each identified by and associated with a game image 10, comprising the name of the game 11 and an associated image 12. In this embodiment, the same four games are available for selection, being the "Eagle Bucks" game 8a, the "Mustang Money" game 8b, the "Wolf Chief" game 8c and the "Money Heat" game 8d, with their associated - 26 names 11 a to 11d and images 12a to 12d, respectively. The game images 10 are positioned on the selection menu in a row in the upper portion of the screen 7. [0125] The various bet denominations available for selection by the player are displayed below the game images 10 and are identified by and associated with corresponding denomination images 73. Selection of one of the denomination images 73 sets the minimum bet for the game that is eventually selected for play. In this embodiment, the bet denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 and $1 as identified by and associated with corresponding denomination images 73a, 73b, 73c, 73d, 73e, 73f, 73g and 73h, respectively. The selection menu 70 indicates by highlighting with a bright yellow translucent image 73i a default denomination image corresponding to the last denomination that was selected on the electronic gaming machine 1 before a player initiates play on the electronic gaming machine. In this case, the last selected denomination was 100, corresponding to image 73d. [0126] The selection menu 70 also displays other general game information including the amount of credits 13 the player has on the electronic gaming machine 1, the amount of the current bet wagered by the player 38 and the amount of wins by the player 39. [0127] The player is prompted to select a bet denomination via a message 75 and selects the bet denomination for the game to be played by touching the denomination image 73 corresponding to the bet denomination. In this case, the player has selected the 500 denomination image 73g and this selection is indicated by placing the yellow translucent image 73i over the 500 denomination image 73g to indicate its selection. After the player makes a selection, the selection menu 70 then indicates to the player the games 8 that are available for selection in the selected denomination, as best shown in Figure 25 where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The selection menu 70 also indicates the games 8 that are not available for selection to the player. This indication is done by visually indicating the available games and visually indicating the unavailable games. In this embodiment, the available games remain fully visible or lit up on the screen 7, whereas the unavailable games are "greyed" out by superimposing a translucent image 77 over the game images 10c, 1Od corresponding to the unavailable Wolf Chief and Money Heat games 8c, 8d. For example, in Figure 25 the bet denomination of 500 was selected - 27 by the player and the selection menu 70 now visually indicates the game images 10 which are available to the player that have as a minimum bet of 500, which are the Eagle Bucks game image 10a and the Mustang Money game image 10b corresponding to the Eagle Bucks game 8a and the Mustang Money game 8b, respectively. Also, the other game information remains on the denomination selection menu, except for the default denomination image 73i. [0128] After the player selects the game 8 by touching one of the highlighted game images 10a and 10b corresponding to the games available for selection, a confirmation pop-up message 78 appears on the display screen 7, as best shown in Figure 26). The message 78 requests the player to confirm the selection of the bet denomination for the selected game (being in this case the Eagle Buck game 8a represented by its game image 10a), as per regulatory requirements, using "yes" and "no" buttons 79a and 79b, respectively. After the player confirms the selection of the bet denomination, the selection menu 70 is then replaced on the screen 7 by the line selection menu 25 for the Eagle Bucks game 8a, as best shown in Figure 6. [0129] If the player had selected a different denomination, such as 200, in the selection menu 9, then as best shown in Figure 27, the line selection menu 25 would display available line options of 5 lines, 10 lines and 20 lines as identified by corresponding line images 26c, 27 and 80, respectively. In this alternative example, the player is not able to select 3 lines but now can select 20 lines with this different bet denomination. The selection of 5 and 10 lines remains available under both denominations. After selection of the maximum number of lines that can be played, the Eagle Bucks game 8a is then displayed on the screen 7, as previously described in relation to Figure 8. [0130] As described in relation to the embodiment of Figures 3 to 23, each of the other player-selectable games 8 operate in substantially the same way once they become available for selection after selection of the appropriate denomination, subject to any particular game rules peculiar to the operation of the base game and feature game of each game 8. Some games will be common to some denominations, but not others. For example, selection of the 100 denomination image 73e results in the games Money Heat and Wolf Chief becoming available for selection and the Eagles Bucks and Mustang Money games becoming unavailable for selection, as best shown - 28 in Figure 28 where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. By way of contrast, selection of the 10 denomination image 73a in the selection menu 70 results in the Wolf Chief and the Money Heat games 8c, 8d becoming available for selection and the Eagles Bucks and the Mustang Money games 8a, 8b becoming unavailable for selection, as best shown in Figure 29 where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. Thus, all the games that are available for a 10 bet denomination are not shared or available for the 100 or 500 bet denominations. [0131] Referring now to Figure 29, the visual indication of the game available for selection and the games not available for selection is the same as before. The Wolf Chief and Money Heat game images 1 Oc, 1 Od remain lit and a translucent image 77 is placed over each of the Eagles Bucks game image 10a and the Mustang Money game image 1 Ob so that they are "greyed out". Selection of the game image 1 Oc corresponding to the Wolf Chief game causes a confirmation pop-up message 42 appearing as described above. After confirming the bet denomination, the line selection menu 25 appears on the screen 7, replacing the selection menu 70 and showing the available options for the maximum number of lines for the selected denomination and game, as described above. [0132] Referring to Figure 30, where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals, the selection of the 250 bet denomination image 73g has caused all but the Eagle Bucks game image 10a to be "greyed out" by the superimposition of the translucent image 77 to indicate its unavailability for selection by the player for this denomination. Game images 10b, 10c, 10d for the Mustang Money, Wolf Chief and Money Heat games 8b, 8c, 8d remain lit indicating their availability for selection for the selected 250 bet denomination image 73g. In this case, there is some overlap in the available games 8 for the 250 bet denomination image 73g compared to the 10, 100, 200 and 500 bet denomination images 73a, 73d, 73e and 73f discussed above. It will be appreciated that other combinations are possible across different denominations. For example, selection of the $1 denomination image 73h may cause only the Wolf Chief game image 1Od to remain lit to visually indicate its availability while the other game images 10a, 10b and 10d are "greyed out" by translucent images 77.

- 29 [0133] An alternative embodiment of the selection menu 70 is illustrated in Figures 31 and 32, where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The selection menu 70 in this embodiment has individual message boxes 81 and 82 to direct the selection of the bet denomination and then the selection of one of the available games 8. Also, whilst the game images 10a to 10d and the denomination images 73a, 73b, 73c and 73h remain substantially the same, the manner in which the selected denomination image is visually indicated is different. In Figure 31, the 10 bet denomination image 73a has been selected and it changes into a selected denomination image 83 that is an enlarged version of the original denomination image, compared to the other unselected denomination images 73b, 73c and 73h. In Figure 32, the 20 bet denomination image 73b has been selected and so again it is expanded or enlarged in size compared to the other denomination images 73a, 73c and 73h, to be a selected denomination image 83. In addition, a border 84 is placed around the selected denomination image to further highlight its selection. However, it will be appreciate that either the expanded size image 83 or the border 84 can be used in isolation to indicate the selection. It will also be appreciated that this manner of visual indication may also be applied to indicate the games available for selection on the selection menu 70. [0134] Yet another embodiment of the selection menu 70 is illustrated in Figures 33 to 35, where corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, four different game images 88 representing four different games 8 are presented offset with their respective neighbour, being the Jackpot Kingdom game image 88a, the Jungle Monkeys game image 88b, the Mystical Phoenix game image 88c and the Nevada Big Game game image 88d. The game images 88 also comprise individual game names 89a, 89b, 89c and 89d, with the Mystical Phoenix game image 88c additionally have a pictorial image 90. In a similar manner as the embodiment of Figures 31 and 32, once a denomination image 73a, 73b, 73c, 73e and 73h is selected it changes or transforms into an enlarged version 91 to visually indicate its selection. Also, the border 84 appears substantially around the selected denomination image 91 to further visually indicate its selection. [0135] While the preferred embodiments have described visually indicating both the games that are available for selection and the game that are not available for selection, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments only the games that are - 30 available for selection or only the games that are not available for selection are visually indicated. For example, the available game images 10 may be more brightly lit to the unavailable game images without using the translucent image 77. Alternatively, the translucent image 77 is used to visually indicate the game images 10 that are unavailable for selection. [0136] Also, the visual indication may be performed in various ways other than that described above. For example, the indication can be done by partially obscuring the unavailable game images, placing a translucent image over the available game images similar to that done in respect of the selected denomination images, enlarging or expanding the size of the available game images, partly or fully animating the available game images (this would include causing the game image to blink or flash), using a border to highlight available or unavailable game images or a combination of any of these options. Furthermore, indication of the games that are available for selection and/or the games that are not available for selection need not be solely visual, but can be by for example, aural sounds in isolation or combination with a visual indication. [0137] In other preferred forms, the order of selection in the selection menu 70 is reversed so that the player must first select a game followed by a bet denomination. This manner of selection would be performed by the player touching a game image 10 corresponding to the game 8 to be selected. The denomination images available for the selected game and/or the denomination images not available for the selected game would then be indicated to the player to make a selection of one of the available denomination images. Again the manner in which this indication is made can be visual, aural or a combination of both, and take the forms discussed in the paragraph above. [0138] In the preferred embodiment, the games 8 share a communal jackpot prize, which is communicated to the player via the top screen 17 displaying the major jackpot information box 18 and a minor jackpot information box 19. In this case, any of the games 8 is able trigger the minor or major jackpot prize by the appearance of a predetermined combination of jackpot symbols during play of the player-selected game. In one preferred form, the jackpot prize comprises a mystery jackpot. That is, none of the symbols in the game trigger the jackpot; hence the triggering event is a - 31 "mystery". By way of comparison, a standard jackpot is typically symbol driven in that a particular combination of symbols must occur in the game to trigger the standard jackpot. .In another preferred form, at least one, some or all of the games 8 comprise a base game and a separate feature game. Also, the arrangement of the games 8 as shown in the Figures is not limited to a set of reels or columns, but could take other forms, such as non-rectangular arrays (i.e. arrays that do not comprise rows and columns). For example, where the array is circular, the predetermined game positions can take the form of pie-shaped slices or wedges. [0139] While the same game format is essentially used across the games 8, it will be appreciated that the game format may vary across the games. For example, one of the games 8 may be a wheel-type game or a four reel game and another of the games may be a standard five reel game. Similarly, the games 8 may each have different game symbols, game rules and pay tables that are unique to each game. [0140] Also, in a further preferred form, the player can selectively stop spinning of the reels 32 to increase player interaction. Furthermore, the player can start spinning of the reels 32 to further enhance player interaction. [0141] In the preferred embodiments, the video display screen 7 is a touch screen for use in addition to the player-actuatable buttons 6. This enables the player to select various features aside from the selections described above, such as responding to any messages or requests issued on the electronic gaming machine 1 by the electronic game controller 4. In this case, the player may control when the reels 32 start spinning and stop spinning in any of the games 8 by simply touching the relevant reel 32. [0142] It will be appreciated that while the preferred embodiments have been described in relation to an industry standard electronic gaming machine, the invention can be readily applied to other types of electronic gaming machines, including a personal computer (standing alone or connected to a communications network, LAN or WAN), mobile electronic devices (such as handheld or portable electronic devices) and other electronic devices capable of displaying a game. In the case of mobile electronic device, in one arrangement it may permit the player to make bets using "virtual" credits that represent a monetary value, but do not require the player to make - 32 a monetary transaction. Instead, the invention may provide a tiered access to the various features of the game so that the player can make relatively small payments to access particular features of the game or obtain additional benefits during gameplay. An alternative arrangement would require the player to purchase virtual credits or tokens via an interface on the mobile electronic device or an online interface accessible by the mobile electronic device. Similarly, either of the above described arrangements can be applied where the invention is implemented on a personal computer (PC) connected to the internet (wirelessly or not). In one example of the implementation, the PC would access an online casino over the internet to play the game of the invention or the game of the invention would be part of a social networking website. It is also contemplated that the player could also make regular payments to subscribe to continue playing the game on the mobile electronic device, PC or other electronic device. [0143] In an alternative embodiment, the electronic gaming machine also provides an option for the player to play with either credits based on a monetary amount or virtual credits as discussed above. This can be implemented by way of a selection menu prior to playing the selected game or by providing a suitable menu button on screen during play of the selected game. [0144] In another aspect, the invention includes a computer programme configured to perform the invention. In this way the invention can be implemented in various ways on an electronic gaming machine. In a further aspect, the invention includes a computer system configured comprising a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine to perform the invention. In a yet another aspect, the invention includes a non-transitory carrier medium carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, causes said central processing unit to perform the invention. In this case, the non-transitory carrier medium includes an external hard drive, a memory device, including a memory card, smart card, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, USB key, magnetic card or other electronic storage device. [0145] It will further be appreciated that any of the features in the preferred embodiments of the invention can be combined together and are not necessarily - 33 applied in isolation from each other. For example, the feature of a mystery jackpot can be readily combined with the feature of different array formats for each game 8. [0146] By providing options for both separate game selection and bet denomination menus and providing a joint game and bet denomination menu in an electronic gaming machine having multiple games, the invention allows players to easily navigate through each option so as to customise the selected game. In particular, in one embodiment, this advantage is further enhanced by visually indicating the available and unavailable games for the selected bet denomination clearly and quickly without further navigation through another menu. This retains player interest and encourages the player to continue playing the various games on the same electronic gaming machine. The invention also advantageously extends to the selection of pay lines for the selected game. All these advantages of the invention result in the player being more likely to retain interest in continuing to play the same electronic gaming machine. Furthermore, since the electronic game controller controls operation of the electronic gaming machine, the invention can be readily implemented to existing gaming machines and other gaming systems. In all these respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art. [0147] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. An electronic gaming machine, comprising: a display for displaying a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of said games and said game symbols on the display, wherein said electronic game controller causes said electronic gaming machine to display two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games; said electronic game controller causes said electronic gaming machine to display two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said denomination images are selectable by a player for selecting the bet denomination in which said selected game is to be played, and wherein one of said game images and said denomination images is initially displayed on said display for selection by said player and is replaced by the other of said game images and said denomination images on said display after said player makes a selection of said one of said game images and said denomination images.

2. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1, wherein said game images are initially displayed on said display.

3. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1, wherein said denomination images are initially displayed on said display.

4. The electronic gaming machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of said denomination images are the same for at least two of said selectable games.

5. The electronic gaming machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic game controller causes said electronic gaming machine to display two or more line images associated with said selected game, wherein said line images are selectable by a player for selecting the number of lines to play in said selected game. - 35

6. The electronic gaming machine of claim 5, wherein one or more of said line images are the same for at least two of said selectable games.

7. The electronic gaming machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said selected game, said electronic game controller causes the display of said denomination images for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game.

8. The electronic gaming machine of claim 7, wherein said electronic game controller causes the display of said denomination images in response to a trigger event.

9. The electronic gaming machine of claim 8, wherein said trigger event is a player-actuated trigger event.

10. The electronic gaming machine of claim 9, wherein said player-actuated trigger event comprises selection of a bet denomination image on said display.

11. The electronic gaming machine of claim 10, wherein said bet denomination image comprises the denomination image associated with the bet denomination initially selected by said player.

12. The electronic gaming machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a default denomination image is displayed prior to said player selecting one of said denomination images.

13. The electronic gaming machine of claim 12, wherein said default denomination image comprises the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine.

14. The electronic gaming machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said game images comprise the names of said games associated with said game images. - 36

15. The electronic gaming machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said denomination images comprise numerical values corresponding to the monetary values of said bet denominations associated with said selected game.

16. The electronic gaming machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said games share a jackpot prize and one or more of said games are able trigger said jackpot prize.

17. The electronic gaming machine of claim 16, wherein said jackpot prize comprises a mystery jackpot.

18. A gaming method for playing an electronic gaming machine comprising a display and an electronic game controller, the method comprising the steps of: controllably displaying game symbols for playing a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player; determining the appearance of two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games, determining the appearance of two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said denomination images are selectable by a player for selecting the bet denomination in which said selected game is to be played, and initially displaying one of said game images and said denomination images on said display for selection by said player, and in response to said player making a selection of said one of said game images and said denomination images, replacing said one of said game images and said denomination images by the other of said game images and said denomination images on said display.

19. The gaming method of claim 18, wherein said initially displaying step comprises initially displaying said game images on said display.

20. The gaming method of claim 18, wherein said initially displaying step comprises initially displaying said denomination images on said display. - 37

21. The gaming method of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising the step of providing one or more of said denomination images to be the same for at least two of said selectable games.

22. The gaming method of any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising the step of displaying two or more line images associated with said selected game, wherein said line images are selectable by a player for selecting the number of lines to play in said selected game.

23. The gaming method of claim 22, wherein said step of displaying two or more line images comprises providing one or more of said line images to be the same for at least two of said selectable games.

24. The gaming method of any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising the step of displaying said denomination images in said selected game for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game.

25. The gaming method of claim 24, wherein said denomination images displaying step comprises displaying said denomination images in response to a trigger event.

26. The gaming method of claim 25, wherein said trigger event is a player actuated trigger event.

27. The gaming method of claim 26, wherein said player-actuated trigger event comprises selection of a bet denomination image on said display.

28. The gaming method of claim 27, wherein said bet denomination image comprises the denomination image associated with the bet denomination initially selected by said player.

29. The gaming method of any one of claims 18 to 28, further comprising the step of displaying a default denomination image prior to said player selecting one of said denomination images. - 38

30. The gaming method of claim 29, wherein said default denomination image displaying step comprises displaying the denomination image that was last selected on said electronic gaming machine.

31. The gaming method of any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein said game images comprise the names of said games associated with said game images.

32. The gaming method of any one of claims 18 to 31, wherein said denomination images comprise numerical values corresponding to the monetary values of said bet denominations associated with said selected game.

33. The gaming method of any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein said games share a jackpot prize and one or more of said games are able trigger said jackpot prize.

34. The gaming method of claim 33, wherein said jackpot prize comprises a mystery jackpot.

35. An electronic gaming machine, comprising: a display for displaying a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of said games and said game symbols on said display, wherein said electronic game controller causes the appearance of a first selection screen on said display, said first selection screen comprising a plurality of game images and a plurality of denomination images, wherein said game images are respectively associated with said games and said denomination images are respectively associated with bet denominations, said denomination images being associated with two or more of said game images and selectable by a player for selecting one of said bet denominations for a game to be played; wherein, in response to a selected denomination image being selected by said player, said electronic game controller causes said first selection screen to indicate the game images associated with said selected denomination image as being available for selection by said player and indicate the game images not associated with said selected denomination image as being unavailable for selection by said player, and - 39 wherein selection of one of said game images associated with said selected denomination image causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play.

36. The electronic gaming machine of claim 35, wherein said game images associated with said selected denomination image are visually indicated.

37. The electronic gaming machine of claim 35 or 36, wherein said game images not associated with said selected denomination image are visually indicated.

38. The electronic gaming machine of claim 37, wherein said game images not associated with said selected denomination image are partially obscured.

39. The electronic gaming machine of claim 37, wherein a translucent image is superimposed over each of said game images not associated with said selected denomination image.

40. The electronic gaming machine of any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein prior to the display of said first selection screen, said electronic game controller determines a default denomination image from said denomination images and cause said first selection screen to indicate the game images associated with said default bet denomination image.

41. An electronic gaming machine, comprising: a display for displaying a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of said games and said game symbols on said display, wherein said electronic game controller causes the appearance of a first selection screen on said display, said first selection screen comprising a plurality of game images and a plurality of denomination images, wherein said game images are respectively associated with said games and said denomination images are respectively associated with bet denominations, said denomination images being associated with two or more of said game images and said game images being selectable by a player for selecting a game to be played; - 40 wherein, in response to a selected game image being selected by said player, said electronic game controller causes said first selection screen to indicate the denomination images associated with said selected game image as being available for selection by said player and indicate the denomination images not associated with said selected game image as being unavailable for selection by said player, and wherein selection of one of said denomination images associated with said selected game image causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play.

42. The electronic gaming machine of claim 41, wherein said denomination images associated with said selected game image are visually indicated.

43. The electronic gaming machine of claim 41 or 42, wherein said denomination images not associated with said selected game image are visually indicated.

44. The electronic gaming machine of claim 43, wherein said denomination images not associated with said selected game image are partially obscured.

45. The electronic gaming machine of claim 43, wherein a translucent image is superimposed over each of said denomination images not associated with said selected game image.

46. The electronic gaming machine of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein prior to the display of said first selection screen, said electronic game controller determines a default game image from said game images and cause said first selection screen to indicate the denomination images associated with said default game image.

47. The electronic gaming machine of any one of claims 35 to 46, wherein said first selection screen is selectively activated by said player.

48. The electronic gaming machine of any one of claims 35 to 47, wherein said electronic game controller causes the appearance of a second selection screen on said display, said second selection screen comprising two or more line images associated with said selected game, wherein said line images are selectable by said player for selecting the number of lines to play in said selected game. - 41

49. The electronic gaming machine of any one of claims 35 to 48, wherein in said selected game, said electronic game controller causes the display of said denomination images for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game.

50. The electronic gaming machine of any one of claims 35 to 49, wherein at least two of said games share a jackpot prize and one or both of said at least two games is able trigger said jackpot prize.

51. A gaming method for playing an electronic gaming machine comprising a display and an electronic game controller, the method comprising the steps of: controllably displaying game symbols for playing a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player; determining the appearance of two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games; determining the appearance of two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said denomination images are selectable by a player for selecting the bet denomination in which said selected game is to be played; initially displaying a first selection screen comprising said game images and said denomination images on said display, wherein said denomination images are selectable by said player, and in response to said player making a selection of said one of said denomination images, indicating on said display the game images associated with said selected denomination image as being available for selection by said player and indicating the game images not associated with said selected denomination image as being unavailable for selection by said player wherein selecting one of said game images associated with said selected denomination image causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play.

52. The gaming method of claim 51, wherein said indicating step comprises visually indicating said game images associated with said selected denomination image. - 42

53. The gaming method of claim 51 or 52, wherein said indicating step comprises visually indicating said game images not associated with said selected denomination image.

54. The gaming method of claim 53, wherein said indicating step further comprises at least partially obscuring said game images not associated with said selected denomination image.

55. The gaming method of claim 53, wherein said indicating step further comprises superimposing a translucent image over each of said game images not associated with said selected denomination image.

56. The gaming method of any one of claims 51 to 55, further comprising the steps of selecting one of said denomination images on said first selection screen as a default denomination image, indicating the game images associated with said default denomination image as being available for selection and indicating the game images not associated with said default denomination image as being unavailable for selection prior to said player selecting one of said denomination images.

57. A gaming method for playing an electronic gaming machine comprising a display and an electronic game controller, the method comprising the steps of: controllably displaying game symbols for playing a plurality of games, wherein each said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols award prizes to a player; determining the appearance of two or more game images respectively associated with two or more of said games, wherein said game images are selectable by a player for selecting one of said games; determining the appearance of two or more denomination images associated with two or more of said games, wherein said denomination images are selectable by a player for selecting the bet denomination in which said selected game is to be played; initially displaying a first selection screen comprising said game images and said denomination images on said display, wherein said game images are selectable by said player, and in response to said player making a selection of said one of said game images, indicating on said display the denomination images associated with said selected game image as being available for selection by said player and indicating the -43 denomination images not associated with said selected game image as being unavailable for selection by said player wherein selecting one of said denomination images associated with said selected game image causes the game associated with said selected game image to be selected for play.

58. The gaming method of claim 57, wherein said indicating step comprises visually indicating said denomination images associated with said selected game image.

59. The gaming method of claim 57 or 58, wherein said indicating step comprises visually indicating said denomination images not associated with said selected game image.

60. The gaming method of claim 59, wherein said indicating step further comprises at least partially obscuring said denomination images not associated with said selected game image.

61. The gaming method of claim 59, wherein said indicating step further comprises superimposing a translucent image over each of said denomination images not associated with said selected game image.

62. The gaming method of any one of claims 57 to 61, further comprising the steps of selecting one of said game images on said first selection screen as a default game image, indicating the denomination images associated with said default game image as being available for selection and indicating the denomination images not associated with said default game image as being unavailable for selection prior to said player selecting one of said game images

63. The gaming method of any one of claims 57 to 62, further comprising the step of activating said first selection screen.

64. The gaming method of any one of claims 57 to 63, further comprising the steps of displaying two or more line images after selection of said selected game, said line images being associated with said selected game, and selecting one of said line images for selecting the number of lines to play in said selected game. - 44

65. The gaming method of any one of claims 57 to 64, further comprising the step of displaying said denomination images in said selected game for said player to select and change the bet denomination of said selected game.

66. The gaming method of any one of claims 57 to 65, further comprising the step of sharing a jackpot prize between at least two of said games and one or both of said at least two games is able trigger said jackpot prize.

67. A computer system comprising a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, wherein said computer system is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 18 to 34 and 51 to 66.

68. A computer programme configured to perform the method of any one of claims 18 to 34 and 51 to 66.

69. A non-transitory carrier medium carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, causes said central processing unit to perform the method of any one of claims 18 to 34 and 51 to 66.